WEST HAWAI’I FISHERIES COUNCIL

The West Hawai’i Fisheries Council, a community-based advisory organization, will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Hawai`i Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Marina in Kailua, Kona. The Council will be evaluating their first six months activities of 2006 and planning for the second half to fulfill the goals set out in their strategic plan. The mission of the West Hawai`i Fisheries Council is to “manage fishery activities to ensure sustainability, enhance nearshore resources, minimize resource depletion and manage conflicts of use”. The Council was set up to serve as the community source for formulating and recommending West Hawai’i fisheries management actions and changes to the Division of Aquatic Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Council has eight very active committees who are always seeking new members to sustain their broad scope. All of the interested ocean community is cordially invited to attend the Council meetings on the third Thursday of every month.

Additional REEFTALK Presentation - Aug. 23, 06.
PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE OPEN OCEAN FISH FARMING IN KONA
Neil Anthony Sims, M.S., co-founder and President of Kona Blue will be sharing how Kona Blue produces sashimi-grade Kona KampachiT from their open ocean fish farm, offshore from the airport runway at Keahole, Kona. Mr. Sims will also be discussing the monitoring of environmental parameters around the operation, and new breakthroughs in environmentally sound fish farm management. Learn about Kona Blue's background, growth, present operations, and plans for the future.

When: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 6:30-8:30
Where: Kealakehe High School Library
For more information, call University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program Extension Service at 329-2861.

Friday, November 18, 2005 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce - 2nd Annual Environmental Conference.
Conference flyer and registration form.

This community wide meeting is open to all individuals, agencies and organizations interested in protecting our environment and natural resources. Last years facilitated conference resulted in eight focus groups. We have guest speakers for each topic which will be followed by facilitated breakout groups and plans for action.

Sustainable Energy & Solid Waste
Marine Preservation & Fisheries
Ocean Recreation & Access
Forest & Watershed Preservation
Green Business & Ecotourism
Open Space & Sustainable Development
Freshwater Resource Realities
Protecting the Island Environment: Invasive Species